Evolution and the Taming of the Schools
As a Christian and a student of science, I must admit that the Theory of Evolution or, more properly titled, "The Origin and Development of the Species" is scientifically sound. It does not seek to answer the question of "cause" or the deeper question of "why". This is left for theologians to grapple with. The theory only deals with "how", "what" and "when". For centuries, mankind misinterpreted certain passages of the Bible contending that the Earth was the center of the Universe (or at least the solar system). This has been proven not to be the case.
Conservative theologians maintain that it is necessary to believe that the Genesis Creation account must be taken literally. Furthermore, it is necessary to accept the literal day as a 24-hour period. Quite frankly, this is not an issue worth insisting upon. God is not any less powerful or vast if He spoke all things into existence over more time. Let's move on to something worth debating.
In my mind, one of the key questions to be answered in our time is not "How old is the earth?" or "Did one species of animal evolve (adapt) to become another?" Christians can still believe in an all-powerful Creator who built in to his work the ability to adapt and change. No, the key question is: "What is man?"
Even if scientists want to insist that humans are an adaptation of animal-kind... still, it is possible that something completely "new" came into being. Not an animal. Something new.
Biologists would have us believe that all life exists as plant or animal. Perhaps, as scientists discover more and understand more, we will come to appreciate what William Shakespeare did so long ago.
"paragon of animals"... and yet not animal at all. The qualities that put us in contrast to the entire animal kingdom cannot be denied. They are scientifically measurable. It's time our high school Biology teachers stop "preaching false doctrine" that human beings are no different from animals. If I wanted to, I could list some key differences right here.
Yes, for the record, I believe that God created... and that there can be no doubt that "man was created in the image of God" putting human beings in a totally different category than the rest of life. Evolution science is sound in many respects. It is not in conflict to believe in a God who engages in the creative process throughout the history of the world and that He chose to use a process of evolution to create life. How awesome and beautiful the variety of His work is! And continues to be. The touch of God (to me) is unmistakeable. But it is not a scientifically provable assertion. So, it does not belong in public school classrooms.
Post new comment